Device for sampling molten metal

ABSTRACT

A molten metal sampling apparatus and method of the type in which a sample receiving means is positioned in the end of a cardboard tube intended to be dipped into a body of molten metal. The molten metal after disintegrating an external protective cap flows through a tortous path and divides into two passageways before solidifying in a receiving chamber to form a solid sample.

United States Patent Collins [54] DEVICE FOR SAMPLING MOLTEN METAL [15] 3,656,350 1 Apr. 18, 1972 2,970,350 2/1961 Feichinger ..73/425.6 3,357,250 12/1967 Lowdermilk et al ..73/354 3,415,125 12/1968 Collins 3,415,124 12/1968 Col1ins..... 3,481,201 12/1969 Falk ..73/425.4

OTHER PUBLICATIONS Open Hearth Proceedings 1956 page 48 AIME New York Primary Examiner-S. Clement Swisher Attorney-Charles S. Penfold [5 7] ABSTRACT A molten metal sampling apparatus and method of the type in which a sample receiving means is positioned in the end of a cardboard tube intended to be dipped into a body of molten metal. The molten metal after disintegrating an external protective cap flows through a tortous path and divides into two passageways before solidifying in a receiving chamber to form a solid sample.

47 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 18 I972 656,350 SHEET 20F 4 INVENTOR. WILLIAM J COLLINS ATTORH y PATENTEU APR 18 1912 SHEET 3 BF l/I I PATENTEUAPR 18 I972 SHEET u CF 4 INVENTOR. WILLIAM J- COLL/N5, BY

ATTORNEY DEVICE FOR SAMPLING MOLTEN METAL This application is a continuation-in-part of my application, Ser. No. 713,640 now abandoned filed Mar. 18, 1968 and is related to my earlier abandoned application, Ser. No. 391,654 now abandoned and my application, Ser. No. 590,829 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,124.

The subject invention relates generally to means utilized in conjunction with testing equipment and more particularly is directed to a device which is adapted for use in obtaining a sample of molten metal from a chamber for analysis.

The device may be employed wherever applicable and has proven very efficient and reliable in obtaining samples of molten metal for chemical analysis of all of its elements including the amount of gases, such as oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen contained therein may be ascertained. The sample may be obtained from any chamber such as an open hearth furnace, a basic oxygen vesseLelectric furnace or related metal making facility. The sample obtained may also be tested to determine its physical characteristics.

A specific object of the invention is to provide a receiving means with a vent or valve and/or means within the escape chamber whereby to retard or stop the flow of metal into this chamber while permitting release of the air therethrough.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sampling device whereby an outer housing thereof is completely protected or shielded so that the housing will not explode or cause contamination of the specimen when the device is dipped into molten metal.

A particularly important object of the invention is to provide a device which, among other things, is provided with one or a plurality of receiving means whereby one or a plurality of samples of substantially corresponding or different sizes may be simultaneously obtained.

Additional objects reside in providing a device which offers advantages with respect to manufacture and assembly, efficiency, durability, safety, and destruction whereby to obtain access to the recovered specimen.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent after the description hereinafter set forth is considered in conjunction with the drawings annexed hereto.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the device, with an end portion broken away;

FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse section taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse section taken substantially on line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a specimen recovered from the device;

FIG. 6 is a view showing at least one mode of manipulating the device for use in obtaining a specimen or specimens from a vessel of molten metal, with only a portion of the vessel being shown;

FIG. 7 is substantially a vertical section of a modified and improved device;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal or transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is an end view of a subassembly of certain components utilized in the device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the resultant sample obtained by utilizing the device;

FIG. 12 illustrates a modified device which is capable of simultaneously receiving a pair or a plurality of samples of substantially the same configuration;

FIG. 13 is a modified device which includes a pair of receiving means which are adapted to simultaneously receive and obtain molten metal samples of different sizes;

FIG. 14 is a modified device having a pair of dissimilar receiving means;

FIG. 15 is a modified structure disclosing a pair of receiving means for obtaining spindle-like samples of variable lengths and in which one of the receiving means may be provided with a filter type vent and the other with a valved vent;

FIG. 16 discloses a structure similar to the FIG. 15, in which the receiving means are substantially of the same length; some of the lower structure of the device has been omitted, and the housing is treated with a heat-resistant material;

FIG..17 is a vertical section taken through a modified form of device in which a pair of inlets or passages communicatively connect with one or a plurality of receiving means; and

FIG. 18 is a partial vertical section of a modified device.

The disclosures with respect to FIGS. 1 through 11 are for reference purposes only and are not claimed in the subject application.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the device preferably comprises an outer elongate cylindrical tubular housing or jacket 1, an inner elongate cylindrical tubular casing 2 surrounding a mass of insulating material 3, an elongate cylindrical tubular member 4 substantially surrounded and carried by the mass and having an upper end 5 extending beyond the mass, a cylindrical tubular part 6 having a lower extremity surrounding an upper extremity of the casing 2 and an upper extremity extending therebeyond and about the end 5 of the member 4 to define a relief or escape chamber 7 which preferably contains a fibrous mass of material 8, and a socket 9 for detachably receiving an offset 10 of a wand 11 whereby the device may be manipulated.

The device shown in FIG. 1 also preferably includes a plurality of stacked cups or members l2, l3, and 14, and end cap or cup 15, a mass of high temperature cement 16 in the cup 12, and a fusible element 17 carried by the cup 14. The aforesaid components or parts will be described more in detail subsequently.

The outer housing 1 may be designed and constructed as desired but is preferably made from heavy cardboard so as to provide a rigid unit for protecting the inner structure substantially contained therein from the high temperature of the molten metal bath for a time sufficient to obtain the sample or specimen. This housing may be made in any size but preferably has an outside diameter of two and one sixteenth of an inch, an inside diameter of one and five sixteenths of an inch to provide a wall thickness of three eights of an inch, and a length of 34 inches. The aforesaid wall thickness has proven satisfactory in use and the length in addition to affording sufficient space for the inner structure, serves to provide the socket 9,above referred to, so that a standard or conventional one inch pipe, of which the wand 11 is; made, may be readily and snugly detachably received in the socket whereby to facilitate manipulation of the device. The wand is preferably of a length in the neighborhood of ten feet to promote safety in dipping of the device, for example, into a molten steel bath 18 contained in a vessel 19, for penetration through a slag covering or layer 20 to a depth of about 15 or 20" as depicted in FIG. 6.

The tubular member 4 and mode of mounting or supporting the same will now be described. This member may be designed and constructed from any material and. in any shape suitable for the purpose and provides a chamber or mold for receiving a quantity of the molten metal. More specifically, the member is preferably made from a glass known as Pyrex which will withstand high temperatures. The use of glass has proven particularly advantageous because it can be readily broken to obtain access to the solidified sample following recovery. The length of the member may be varied depending on the type or character of sample or specimen desired. The diameter of the member is preferably ten millimeters or under in order to promote controlled cooling of the sample. The member may be internally tapered.

The glass tube 4 is preferably supported or imbedded in a diagonal position in the mass of material 3 which serves to protect and impart stability to the tube as well as support it within the confines of the outer casing l. The mass 3 may be any material suitable for the purpose. Material, such as plaster of paris, has proven very satisfactory in use and in order to facilitate imbedment or moulding of the tube 4 in the mass, the latter is preferably molded from a plastic or flowable condition into a solid within the confines of the cylindrical tubular casing 2 as shown in the drawings.

The lower end of the casing 2 and the lower end of the glass tube 4 are preferably secured and sealed into the uppermost cup 12 by utilizing the mass of high temperature cement 16 which surrounds the lower ends of the tube and casing in such a manner that the end of the tube 4 extends through an aperture or port 22 provided in a bottom wall 23 of the cup 12. This opening has an axis which is spaced from the center of the wall.

The cement 16 is preferably of a refractory character and offers protection or insulation against the high temperature of the molten metal and promotes its upward flow in the tube 4, and the same is generally true of the mass 3. Otherwise expressed, the masses 3 and 16 serve to insulate and protect the glass tube and constitute a means whereby to promote or encourage uniform cooling of the molten metal as it travels upwardly in the tube.

The cup 13 is preferably connected to the uppermost cup 12 by a telescoping pressed fit so that the cups l2 and 13 are positioned in a nested sealing relationship and define a chamber 24, with the bottom wall 23 of the member 12 being disposed in axially spaced relationship to a bottom wall 25 of the cup 13. The bottom wall 25 constitutes a partition provided with an aperture or port 26 having an axis disposed in a position spaced from its center.

The cup 14 is preferably adapted to be connected to the cup 13 in a mode corresponding to that connecting the cups 12 and 13 and it has a bottom wall 27 constituting a partition provided with an aperture or port 28 having an axis disposed in a spaced relation to the center of this wall. The fusible means or element 17, above referred to, is preferably made of aluminum and is preferably secured in the aperture 28 by a peening or upsetting operation. It will be observed that the bottom wall 27 of the cup 14 is disposed in axially spaced relationship to the wall 25 of the cup 13 and that these cups define a chamber 29.

The cap 15, above referred to, is also preferably made in the form of a cup and is preferably adapted to be press fitted into nesting relationship with the cup 14 and defines in combination therewith a chamber 30. This cap is preferably made of metal of such a character that it will at least become partially disintegrated or ruptured when immersed in the molten metal. In order to facilitate attachment of the cap to the cup 14, the bottom wall of the cap is preferably provided with a relatively small aperture 31 constituting a vent to prevent the release of air from the chamber 30 when the cap is pressed into the cup.

Attention is directed to that fact that the glass tube 4 is secured in an inclined position in the mass 3; that the lower end of the glass tube 4 and the opening 22 in the bottom wall 23 of the cup 12 are both generally aligned with the opening 28 and the fusible means 17, and that the opening 26 in the bottom wall or partition of the cup 13 is disposed in a staggered or offcenter position with respect to the axes of the openings 22 and 28 so that when the cap 15 is disintegrated or otherwise ruptured by the molten metal, the latter will melt the element 17 and thereby allow the metal to successively flow in a tortuous path through the aperture 28 into the chamber 29, the aperture or port 26 into the chamber 24 and thence upwardly into the glass tube 4 and out its upper end 5 into or against the fibrous mass or baffle 8. The element 17 serves to deoxidize the molten metal received in the tube or receiving means 4 or that amount of metal which is expected to form the final specimen. It is believed that this deoxidation serves to promote homogenity. The metal is deoxidized in the chamber 29 and is mixed by turbulence in the chamber 24 prior to entry in the tube 4. Attention is also directed to the fact that the cup members l2, 13, 14 and the cap 15 constitute a fabricated lower chamber structure and that this structure including the casing 2, mass 3 and the glass tube 4 are all connected together to preferably provide a subassembly or unit which is adapted to be pressed into connection with the outer housing 1 of the device. More specifically in this regard, the unit or subassembly is adapted to be pressed into the housing in such a manner that sharp edges of rims 31 formed on the cups 12, 13, and 14 will automatically bite or indent themselves into the material defining the internal cylindrical surface of the housing to lock the subassembly in a desired operative position as exemplified in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The cap 15 may be attached to the cup 14 before the subassembly or unit is pressed into connection with the housing as just described, but it is preferably applied to the cup 14 after the other components of the unit have been mounted in the housing. Obviously, the unit may be secured or mounted in other ways. For example, it may be cemented in place.

Referring now to the procedure in obtaining or recovering a specimen, the preferred method comprises plunging or dipping the device into the molten bath, through the layer of slag or impurities 20 so that the lower end of the device is below the layer as evidenced in FIG. 6. The long wand 11 is utilized to manipulate the device and the device is preferably held in the bath for a very brief period of time, for example, a period of from three to ten seconds which causes the cap 15 to be blown free, or otherwise disintegrate or rupture, due to the expanding trapped air in the chamber 30, resulting from the enormous temperature change from, for example, from 70 to 2,900 Fahrenheit of metal bath.

The cap and mass of cement 16 serve to momentarily insulate the interior of the device as it is being inserted into the molten metal and the cap protects the device against the premature admission of any slag and/or any other surface impurities until the lower end of the device is well below the layer 20. As the cup disintegrates or otherwise enables the molten metal to melt the element 17, the latter diffuses into the molten metal for deoxidizing the same and the two are mixed or conditioned as they successively tortuously flow through the apertures or port 28, chamber 29, port 26 and chamber into the glass tube 4. Deoxidation substantially occurs in the chamber 29 and the mixing substantially in the chamber 24, although some mixing does occur in the chamber 29 prior to entry of the metal into the chamber. The metal thus treated, conditioned or deoxidized flows upwardly through the tube and against the fibrous or baffle means 8 in the upper chamber 7, allowing air to pass through the fibrous means while substantially preventing any great quantity of metal to flow into the chamber. After a few seconds or a sufficient time interval has elapsed in order to permit filling of the tube 4, the device is quickly lifted from the bath of molten metal and then may be subjected to a cooling medium, such as cold water, a blast of cool air or it may be placed on a work bench and allowed to cool. in any event, the specimen retrieved from the molten bath is not utilized until after it has solidified and cooled to such an extent that it can be operated on for analysis. The specimen or sample solidifies or begins to solidify while the device is immersed in the molten metal. It is desirable that the analysis of the specimen be obtained expeditiously so that it may be quickly analyzed in order to determine or ascertain whether the molten metal is in accord with preselected or predetermined specifications or requirements. If, for example, the specimen indicates that the molten metal is not of the character desired, then the metal in the vessel 19 may be modified or changed. In some instances, it may become necessary to obtain more than one sample or specimen of the molten metal before the latter is brought up to a required standard.

The device, upon being subjected to the molten metal, deteriorates or becomes damaged to the extent that at least a portion of the outer housing is burned away, charred or disintegrated so that, in some instances, a portion of the mass of material disposed about the glass tube may be visible. Also, the cap 15, in some instances, may be completely disintegrated into the molten metal and in other instances, a portion of the cap may still remain attached to the cup 14. Moreover, in some instances, portions of the cups 13 and 14 may disintegrate. In other words, the disintegration or destruction of various components of the device is dependent to their design and construction, the temperature of the molten metal, and the time that the device is held in the latter.

After the device is removed from the molten bath, the outer housing is cut or otherwise broken apart to obtain the subassembly, after which the tubular part 6, fibrous material 8, mass 3, tube 4, cement l6 and cups 13 and 14 may be removed and/or destroyed in any mode or order desired so that there remains a specimen having an elongate cylindrical portion 32, an end portion 33 and a pair of joined enlarged end portions 34 and 35 as exemplified in FIG. 5. The end portion 33 is formed by metal entering the chamber 7 and the end portions 34 and 35 by the chambers 24 and 29. Any portion of the specimen may be utilized for analysis, but the portion 32 which was formed within the confines of the glass tube is preferably utilized after the end portions 33, 34 and 35 are removed as indicated by the dotted lines.

The modified sampling device as exemplified in the FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, except for variations in the relative sizes and in a reduction in the number of certain components utilized, substantially corresponds to the device previously described.

The device generally designated at 300 shown in FIG. 7 excludes, for example, the part 6 and mass 8 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6. More specifically, the device 300 includes an outer jacket or tubular housing 301, constructed of some desirable material such as heavy card board, corresponding to the jacket 1 in FIG. 1 and a plurality of cups 302, 303, 304, 305 which are constructed, operatively connected and supported for the same purpose as the corresponding cups shown in FIG. 1.

The bottom wall of the innermost cup 302 is provided with an aperture 306, the bottom wall of the cup 303 with an aperture of 307, and the bottom wall of the cup 304 with an aperture 308 in which is secured a fusible or meltable element 309. It will be observed that aperture 307 is offset with respect to a line extending through the axes of the apertures 306 and 308.

The device 300 also preferably includes a relatively short tube 310 which is preferably firmly secured in the innermost cup 302 by a mass of high temperature cement 311. An inner tube 312 having a diameter less and a length greater than the tube 310 has a lower extremity firmly secured by the cement in the tube 310 and cup 302 and against the bottom wall of the latter in general alignment with the aperture 306. In practice these tubes 310 and 312 are constructed from cardboard, but it is to be understood that any material suitable for this purpose may be utilized. It will be observed that inner portions of the tube 310 and the mass311 project inwardly beyond the confines of the cup 302 whereby to lend support for the tube 312 and associated components which will now be described.

The device 300 further includes a receiving means or mold structure, generally designated 313, preferably of powdered metal, and an inner tube 314 preferably constructed from Pyrex Glass. It is to be understood that any materials which will withstand high temperatures may be utilized.

The receiving means or mold structure 313 may be designed and constructed in various ways but as exemplified in FIGS. 7 through 10, it is preferably comprised of a pair of half or complementary sections 315 and 316. The tube 312, above referred to, constitutes means for maintaining or holding the sections assembled. Each of the sections preferably includes a relatively large annular portion having a'bottom wall 317 and said wall structure 318 which define a pocket or recess 319. Each section also preferably includes an integral radial or tapered lateral continuation 320 provided with a semicylindrical groove 321 extending throughout the length of the continuation. Attention is directed to the fact that continuations have opposed longitudinally extending planer edges 322 and that the inner ends of the groove are provided with abutments 323.

The end surface of each of the wall structures of the sections is planar as indicated at 324 and interrupted by a pair of diametrically disposed projections 325 and a pair of diametrically disposed notches or recesses 326 the latter of which are circumferentially spaced apart from the projections. The receiving means or mold structure 313 is preferably so designed and constructed that when the sections are correctly held in assembled relation by the tube 312 which is telescoped into a snug surrounding relationship with the tapered continuations 320, the opposed planar surfaces 322 of the continuations will be held in intimate bearing relationship and the projections 325 will be disposed in interfitting or interlocking relationship with the notches 326 whereby to maintain the marginal end surfaces 324 of the wall structures of the sections in a predetermined spaced parallel relationship so that preferably a plurality of three circumferentially spaced arcuate vents or openings 327 are provided through which a fluid such as gas or air may escape when the molten metal is receivedin the mold structure.

Experimentation and testing has proven that the optimum gap, spacing, or size of the vents or openings should be within a range of 0.010 to 0.015 inch for sampling basic oxygen processed steels due to their higher temperatures. More particularly in this respect, it was initially believed that no vent openings were essential on the basis that the heat of the molten metal would cause the mold sections to separate and release the trapped gases. However, failures did occur in prac tice so tests were conducted which proved that the size of the vent or vents was critical. It was discovered that a relatively small vent or a narrow gap between the large portions of the sections caused back pressure and restrained the molten metal from entering and completely filling the receiving means or mold cavity. It was further discovered that a vent of relatively large size or an excessive gap between the large portions of the sections caused the molten metal to bleed through the vent and seal the sections together thereby resulting in obtaining a porous test sample of poor qualitylFurther, exhaustive tests support the conclusion that a gap between opposed surfaces of the large portions of the sections within a range of between 0.010 to 0.015 inch is the most efficient insofar as sampling basic oxygen processed steels in view of their higher tempera tures.

Attention is directed to the fact that the projections and notches constitute means which assist in assembling, locating, aligning, or placing the sections in registry; that the pockets 319, in combination, define a chamber 328 which finally receives the molten metal; that the longitudinal grooves 321 in the continuations, in combination, define a tubular formation or socket which snugly receives one extremity of the glass tube 314 which engages the abutments 323 for limiting inward movement of the tube; and that the lower extremity of the glass tube extends beyond the continuations and through the aperture 306 in the cup 302, and is secured in place by the surrounding cement 311 in the tube 312. It will be apparent that the tube 312 is also firmly anchored in place by the cement 311; that the cement within the confines of the tube 312 assists in sealing and securing the glass tube in the socket, the inner ends of the continuations together and the glass tube in the aperture 306 so that the molten metal will fiow only through the glass tube prior to reception in the chamber 328 of the receiving means 313. It will be observed that the longitudinal axes of the receiving means 313, glass tube 314 and the tube 312 are coincidental and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer jacket 301. It is to be understood that the device may be made in which the aforementioned axes may be in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the jacket or parallel thereto.

The device has proven most efficient in use in obtaining a precision case circular disc 239 attached to a 10 mm. diameter stem 330 as exemplified in FIG. 11. Due to the circular shape of the disc, the sample is unilaterally cooled, promoting an equiaxilar columnar grain structure which is beneficial to chemical and physical analyses. Further, the shape and thickness of the disc-like portion 329 of the sample and its resultant structural characteristics offers an ideal section for spectrographic analysis in addition to those just referred to.

Moreover, the stem of the device has been designed and constructed for gas or carbon analysis. The material and mass of the mold determine the cooling characteristics of the resultant cast sample.

After the sample more or less in a lollypop form has been cast, certain of the various components such as the sections 315 and 316, glass tube 314 may be readily separated, destroyed, disintegrated, or broken apart so as to obtain the sample structure exemplified in FIG. 11 after which that portion 331 illustrated in dotted lines may be removed so that the remainder of the lollypop like sample may be subjected for analyses as above described.

In view of the foregoing, it should be manifest that the structure illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 10, among other things, comprises an outer jacket or housing 301; an inner tube 314 which is supported by a mass of material 311 which is highly resistant to heat deterioration; that the means 313 is disposed within the confines of the housing and is provided with a chamber 328 which communicatively connects with the upper end of the tube 314; that means which may comprise one or more of the cups 302, 303, 304 provide at least a second chamber which communicatively connects with the lower end of the tube 314 for initially receiving a liquid for transmission into said tube and the chamber 328; and what means, such as the fusible element 309, serves to condition the fluid in the second chamber prior to its reception into the tube 314.

The device depicted in FIG. 12 offers a unique setup whereby a plurality of corresponding samples may be simultaneously obtained from a bath of molten metal and provision is made for maintaining the receiving means and the components thereof in their respective correct operative positions. More particularly, the device preferably comprises a nonmetallic tubular housing 400 and an outer metal protective shield or casing 401 which completely surrounds the housing. A pair of receiving means generally designated 402 and 403 of substantially the same design and construction are disposed within the confines of the housing and since each substantially corresponds to the receiving means illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawing, a further detailed description thereof is considered unnecessary. A tubular sleeve or jacket 404, preferably of a non-metallic material, such as cardboard, surrounds lower extensions of the receiving means whereby to maintain the receiving means and the components of each assembled with respect to one another, with the receiving means preferably in abutting relationship to improve the structural stability of the device.

A pair of tubes 405 and 406, preferably constructed of a refractory material highly resistant to heat, such as Pyrex have upper ends which are respectively telescopically received in the receiving means and lower ends which extend through apertures provided therefor in a base wall of an upper cup 407. It will be observed that the lower end of the sleeve 404, that lower ends of the receiving means, and the tubes 405 and 406 are disposed in the cup 407. A mass of insulating material or cement 408 is disposed in the cup 407 about the sleeve 404, with an additional mass of insulation, refractory material, or cement 409 disposed in the cup and sleeve 404 and about the tubes 405 and 406, all for the purpose of maintaining the receiving means, tubes and cup 407 assembled as a unit.

The device shown in FIG. 12 offers a setup whereby a plu rality of identical samples or specimens may be obtained from a single molten metal bath. More specifically, the heads of the samples provide four planar surfaces or faces for comparative spectrographic, radiographic or wet chemistry analysis and the stems of these samples provide for various combinations of gases and/or wet chemistry analysis. If desired, one of the samples may be used for physical or metallographic study while the other is being analyzed for chemical and/or gas analysis. The physical analysis includes the factor of conducting a hardness test (Brinell or Rockwell), correlated with carbon conmination of the sample. Other factors include testing for tensile, impact, magnetic or other procedures whereby to provide a rapid and easy method for element determination of ferrous or non-ferrous baths.

Also, the use of a pair of chambers enhances obtaining at least one good sample from each immersion.

The unit may also include a second cup 410 having a bottom wall provided with an aperture 411; a third cup 412 having a bottom wall provided with an aperture normally plugged by a deoxidizing element 413; and a cup or cap 414. The cups 407, 410, 412, and cup 414 substantially correspond and are mounted in accord with those respectively identified as 302, 303, 304 and 305 in FIG. 7 of the drawings. The unit is preferably press fitted into the housing 400 substantially as described above. Although the drawing shows a steel tube, sleeve or jacket encasing the housing 400, the sleeve may or may not be required depending upon the reaction characteristics of the metal into which the device is immersed.

It should be observed that the deoxidizing element 413 is common to both of the entrances 405 and 406 or otherwise serves to condition a pair of samples or specimens. If desired, the element may be made of a larger size or a pair of elements may be utilized for jointly or respectively conditioning a pair of specimens.

The device illustrated in FIG. 13, preferably comprises an outer non-metallic tubular housing 415 and a metal tubular shield 416 surrounding the housing. A pair of receiving means generally designated 417 and 418 are disposed within the confines of the housing 415. It will be observed that the receiving means 418 substantially corresponds to the receiving means 402 and 403, above referred to, and that the receiving means 417 is similar but has a larger upper extremity or head than the upper extremity or head of the receiving means 418.

A pair of tubes 419 and 420 preferably non-metallic, have upper ends which are respectively telescopically received in lower tubular extremities of the receiving means 417 and 418 and lower ends which extend through holes provided therefor in a bottom wall of an upper cup 421. An upper extremity of a tubular sleeve 422, corresponding to the sleeve 404, above referred to, surrounds the lower tubular extremities of the receiving means 417 and 418 and its lower end is disposed and held in the cup 421 by a surrounding mass of cement 423 and a mass of cement 424 disposed in the cup and sleeve and about the tubes 419 and 420 for maintaining the receiving means, sleeve, cup 421 and tubes 419 and 420 assembled as a unit or subassembly for securement in a centralized position in the housing 415. The unit may be secured in place in any manner desired but is preferably secured by forcing the unit into the housing so that a lip of the cup 421 will bite into an inner surface of the housing 415. The unit or subassembly may also include a second or lower cup or cap 425 and this cup is preferably held in a telescopic relation to the upper cup 421 by a press fit. If desired a third cup may be included. A ferrule 426 may be provided about lower portions of the housing 415 and the shield 416 for engaging their lower marginal edges, with an upper bead portion of the lower cap 425 abutting an inturned portion of the ferrule in a manner whereby to assist in holding the latter in relation to the housing and shield. Obviously, the shield and ferrule may be secured in place by press fits or by indentations.

The advantages with respect to the device shown in FIG. 13

' enables one to obtain two similar but differently shaped samples at substantially the same time.

The device depicted in FIG. 14, among other things, preferably comprises an outer non-metallic housing 426 and a pair of dissimilar receiving means generally designated 427 and 428 which are disposed within the confines of the housing.

The receiving means 427 substantially corresponds to the receiving means 402, 403, and 418, above referred to, and the receiving means 428 is preferably in the form of a glass tubular element constituting a chamber which serves to obtain a spindle or rodlike sample, as distinguished from the lollypop type tent to provide a very rapid and easy method for carbon deterobtained from the receiving means 427. The receiving means 428 is preferably in the form of a glass tube and a tube preferably of insulating material 429 surrounds the tube 428. The lower end of the tube 428 extends through an aperture provided in a bottom wall of an upper cup 431 and a shorter tube 432, preferably of glass, is secured in a lower extremity of the receiving means 427 and has an end disposed in another aperture in the bottom wall of the cup 431. The upper end of the tubes 428 and 429 are preferably constructed to provide a vent chamber having an outlet 428 controlled by a ball valve 429. The valve serves to release air as the receiving means fills and assists in sealing the sample during its solidification as the tube 428 fills. The ball valve represents only one technique which may be used to automatically vent the receiving means 428.

A sleeve 433, preferably of cardboard, surrounds at least the lower portion of the receiving means 427 and 428 and at least portions of the tubes 429 and 432. This sleeve serves to maintain the components of the receiving means assembled and the receiving means substantially in an abutting or juxtaposed relationship. A mass of cement 433 is disposed in the cup 431 and surrounds the lower portion of the sleeve 433 and cement 434 is disposed in the sleeve and about the lower portions of the receiving means and tubes 429 and 432 for maintaining the receiving means, tubes, sleeve and cup 431 assembled to constitute a unit which may be press fitted into the housing 426 in a manner described above. The unit may include a second cup 435 having a bottom wall provided with an aperture 436 and a lower cup 435 having an aperture therein within which is received a deoxidizing element 438. It will be observed that the cups are each provided with a lip which bites into the housing 426 whereby to further assist in holding the unit and the housing assembled.

While in most applications three cups, such as 431, 435, and 437 are employed, it is to be understood that if desired, a protective cup or cap such as 414, as exemplified in FIG. 12, may be employed. The protective cup or cap serves to momentarily protect the deoxidizing element or fuse 438 when sampling different types of molten metal or liquids at various temperatures. In some instances, one or more of the cups or cap may be eliminated thereby decreasing the number of chambers through which the metal flows before finally reaching the receiving means. It should be also understood that different materials of the different components may be utilized and in some instances, a deoxidizing element, fuse or plug may be eliminated depending on the characteristics of the molten metal or liquid to be sampled.

The device illustrated in FIG. offers a setup whereby samples of a spindle-like character in different lengths may be obtained. More specifically, the device preferably comprises an outer tubular housing 439 and a pair of receiving means generally designated 440 and 441 disposed within the confines of the housing. The receiving means 440 is preferably in the form of a cylindricaLnon-metallic tube, such as Pyrex, which is substantially surrounded by a tubular sleeve 442, preferably constructed of pasteboard or equivalent material. The upper end of the sleeve preferably extends beyond the upper end of the receiving means or tube 440 and defines a chamber containing a filter 443 through which air may be vented when molten metal flows upwardly into the tube. The upper end of the sleeve is preferably inturned as indicated at 444 whereby to assist in holding the filter in place.

The receiving means 441 is preferably in the form of a glass tube or equivalent material and a tubular sleeve 445 substantially surrounds the tube and has an upper end which extends beyond the upper end of the tube to form a chamber having a ball valve 446 therein which serves to substantially control or regulate the venting of air through an outlet 447 in the sleeve when molten metal flows upwardly into the tube and thereby assists in obtaining a sample of greater density and uniformity. It will be observed that the tube 440 and its sleeve 442 are somewhat longer than the tube 441 and its sleeve 445 and that the ball also serves to chill the molten metal to solidification as the tube fills.

A tubular cylindrical member 448 surrounds the lower extremities of the tubes 440 and 441 and the sleeves 442 and 445 whereby to assist in maintaining these parts assembled with the sleeves in abutting relationship. The lower ends of the receiving means, sleeves, and the lower end of the cylindrical member 448 are disposed in an upper or first cup 449. Cement 450 surrounds the member 448 and cement 451 is disposed in the lower end of this member 448 and about the lower ends of the tube receiving means for holding these parts assembled as a unit with the lower ends of the receiving means disposed in apertures provided therefor in a bottom of the cup. The unit may also include a second cup 452 provided with an aperture 453, a third cup 454 having an aperture 455 therein, and a fourth or lower cup or cap 456. The cups are adapted to be assembled together in a nesting relationship andto the housing in a manner described above.

The device illustrated in FIG. 16 offers a setup whereby samples of a spindle-like character and substantially of equal lengths but having different diameters may be substantially simultaneously obtained. More particularly, the device preferably comprises an outer tubular housing 457 and a pair of receiving means generally designated 458 and 459, preferably in the form of glass tubes are disposed within the confines of the housing. A sleeve 460 surrounds the tube 458 and their upper ends form a chamber provided with an outlet 460' and a ball valve 461 in the chamber controls the venting of air through the outlet. The tube 459 is surrounded by a sleeve 462 having an upper end which extends beyond the tube and defines in combination therewith a vented chamber having a filter 463 secured therein by an inturned portion of the sleeve. It will be observed that a tubular cylindrical member 464 surrounds the tubes 458 and 459 and the sleeves 460 and 462 and that the lower ends of the tubes respectively extend beyond the lower ends of the sleeves and through apertures provided therefor in a bottom of an upper or first cup 465. Cement 466 surrounds the lower end of the member 464 and cement 467 is disposed in the lower end of the member 464 and about the lower ends of the tubes and sleeves whereby to maintain these components assembled as a unit for positioning in the housing 457 in a manner as described above. This unit may also include a second or intermediate cup 468 having an aperture in its bottom wall normally closed by a deoxidizing element 469 and a third or bottom cup or cap 470. Also, if found desirable, a coating or layer of ceramic or insulating material 471 may be applied to the housing and at least partially about the cup 470 for protective purposes. Some impregnation of this material into the housing may occur.

In view of the foregoing it will be manifest, among other things, that various forms or types of receiving means may be utilized and that each receiving means, whether of a lollypop or cylindrical shape, define a chamber and that each of the chambers is provided with an entrance, opening, or passage through which a portion or sample of the molten metal will flow into the chamber.

It will also be evident that a plurality of receiving means of corresponding or different characters may be supported in housings of corresponding or different characters whereby corresponding or different samples may be simultaneously obtained for the uses desired.

It will further be observed that each of the devices is preferably provided with one or a plurality of means which serve to temporarily protect the entrance or entrances to receiving means, so that for example, slag or other foreign material will not contaminate the sample or samples to be obtained. The protective means preferably utilized comprise one or more cups, caps, or enclosures.

Additional attributes or important factors reside in providing a supporting means which is common to a plurality of receiving means; protective means which may be applicable to a single or a plurality of receiving means .and is preferably of a disintegrable character; means, such as a deoxidizing element, which may be utilized to condition one or a plurality of samples of molten metal prior to its entry into one or more receiving means; an improved valve means and various forms of filter means whereby to obtain desirable samples for analysis.

The device depicted in FIG. 17 will now be described. This device is unique in design and construction and preferably includes an elongated frangible or non-metallic tubular housing 550, a receiving means generally designated 551 defining an upper chamber, a venting chamber 552, a pair of glass tubes 553 and rimmed cups 554, 555, 556, and 557. The tubes or tubular means are preferably constructed from Pyrex glass but may be constructed of any desirable frangible material for the purpose and the cups are preferably constructed from metal. These tubes, as alluded to above, also constitute means for receiving metal or other material for sampling and analysis and the same is correspondingly true of a lower chamber defined by the cup 555.

The receiving means 551 is preferably in the form of a tube or cylindrical ring 558 of suitable frangible material, such as cardboard, which is protected or enclosed by a layer or coating of ceramic, insulating, or frangible material 559 so that at least the interior surface of the ring is protected. There may be some impregnation of the ceramic or insulating material into the receiving means depending on the character of these materials. The ring may be of moulded glass or ceramic material. The cross-sectional dimensions of the receiving means and housing are such that the receiving means may be readily press-fitted into the housing. However, if so desired, it may be cemented or otherwise anchored in place.

The cup 555 is provided with an aperture 555' through which the metal flows into the chamber defined by this cup prior to its entry into the tubes 553. The cup 554 preferably contains a mass 560 of cement or insulating material which surrounds and fixes the tubes 553 so that their lower ends respectively register with or extend through apertures provided therefor in the bottom wall of the cup, and their upper ends project slightly above the mass and more or less into the receiving means 551 for communication therewith. Otherwise expressed, the tubes define passages leading to the means 551. The receiving means may rest against the mass or may be arranged to engage the cup 554.

The venting chamber 552 is directly above and communicates with the receiving means 551 and preferably contains a filter 561, such as a mass of steel wool, whereby to assist in retaining the sample in the receiving means for solidification while allowing air to escape as the metal flows from the lower chamber into the receiving means via the tubes 553.

It will also be observed that all of the cups are press-fitted into a nesting relationship and in combination with the cement and tubular means constitute a unit which is preferably pressfitted to a position substantially within the confines of the housing with the rims of the cups biting into the housing for locking the unit in place. The cup 556 is preferably provided with a deoxidizing element 556 and the bottom cup 557 serves to protect or otherwise prevent slag from entering into the device prior to its conditioning by the element. It should also be observed that the cup 556 also forms a chamber which communicates with the chamber defined by the cup 555 through the aperture 555. When the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal it will successively flow into the cups 556, 555 and into the receiving means 551 through the tubular means 553 and when the device is withdrawn and the samples solidify they will include a pair of masses corresponding to the shapes of the cups 556 and 555, a pair of spindles or stems corresponding to the interior of the tubular means 553 and a mass corresponding to the shape of the receiving means 551. The housing 550, cups, insulating material 560, tubes 553 and receiving means 551 may be readily broken away, destroyed or separated to obtain access to the mass.

Thus, FIG. 17 discloses a device having a receiving means, such as the chamber 551; receiving means, such as the tubes 553 and the chamber formed by the cup 555 and FIG. 18 shows a receiving means 800, the tubes 801 and 802 and a receiving means or chamber below these tubes which may initially receive metal for flow into the tubes. The term receiving means" is to be construed broadly and as applied to FIGS. 17 and 18 may include one or a pair of upper means or chambers for receiving a hot liquid such as molten metal or a pair of receiving means as disclosed in FIGS. 12 through 16 of the drawing.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention, and therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact forms, construction, arrangements, and combinations of parts herein shown and described.

Iclaim:

l. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber and provided with means forming a lower chamber, a pair of receiving means having upper and lower portions, means for securing said lower portions to said housing so that said upper portions extend into said housing chamber in a juxtaposed relationship, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances communicating with said lower chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal samples thereof will flow through said entrances from said lower chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the samples will solidify.

2. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are substantially identical and of a frangible character.

3. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are of different sizes.

4. The device defined in claim 1, in which said securing means is of an insulating character and common to both of said receiving means.

5. The device defined in claim 1, in which one of said receiving means is of a spindle-like character and the other includes a head forming a chamber with a passage leading thereto.

6. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are of a spindle-like character and have different crossdimensions.

7. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are of a spindle-like character and have different lengths.

8. The device defined in claim 1, in which said lower chamber is formed by a protective enclosure which normally conceals said entrances, and means are provided for conditioning the molten metal prior to its flow into said receiving means.

9. The device defined in claim 1, in which said housing is of a non-metallic material and protected by a shield of heat-resistant material.

10. The device defined in claim 1, in which one of said receiving means is provided with filter means and the other with a valve for controlling the venting of air therefrom.

11. The device defined in claim 1, in which said housing is protected by a coating of insulating material.

12. A method of obtaining samples of molten metal which comprises: immersing a device having a housing with a pair of receiving means connected thereto and openings respectively leading to said receiving means from an entrance chamber common to said openings, into a bath of molten metal whereby samples of the latter will flow from said chamber through said openings into said receiving means, removing the device from the bath and allowing the samples to solidify, disconnecting the receiving means and samples from the housing, and then removing the receiving means from the samples.

13. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of receiving means having upper and lower portions, means for supporting said receiving means in said housing whereby to provide a space substantially surrounding said upper portions, means providing a chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances which are common to and communicate with said chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances 12 via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

14. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, receiving means, means for supporting said receiving means in said housing, means providing a chamber, a pair of entrances communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device-is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

15. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal com prising: a housing, a pair of unevacuated receiving means respectively provided with tubular means, means for supporting said receiving means and said tubular means in fixed relation to one another to said housing, means common to and temporarily protecting said tubular means, the arrangement being such that when the device isdipped into a bath of molten metal at least some of the common means will be destroyed so that some of the metal will simultaneously flow through said tubular means into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

16. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: an elongated tubular housing, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means having upper portions and lower portions, a pair of tubular means respectively communicating with said lower portions, means common to and securing said tubular means in said housing, said tubular means assisting to support said receiving means so that a space substantially surrounds said upper portions, structure defining chamber means which is common to said tubular means, the arrangement being such that when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow from said chamber means through said tubular means into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

17. A device of the kind described, said device comprising a housing, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means highly resistant to heat fixedly secured in a lower part of said housing, means providing a chamber adjacent said lower part, each of said frangible means having an inlet communicating with said chamber for freely receiving from said chamber a liquid having a high temperature, and said housing having an upper part whereby a handle may be attached thereto to facilitate dipping of the device into a liquid.

18. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in said chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow through said entrances into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples, and means common to said entrances for temporarily protecting them when the device is dipped into the bath.

19. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of receiving means, means for supporting said receiving means in said housing, means providing a chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances which are smaller than an interior dimension of said receiving means and communicate with said chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

20. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair or receiving means respectively provided with tubular means, means supporting said receiving means and said tubular means in relation to one another and said housing, a chamber common to said tubular means, the arrangement being such that when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow from said chamber through said tubular means into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

21. A device of the kind described, said device comprising a housing having a chamber in a lower part thereof, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means highly resistant to heat fixedly secured in said chamber, each of said frangible means having an inlet adjacent said lower part for freely receiving a liquid having a high temperature, and means common to said inlets for temporarily protecting the same when the device is dipped into a liquid.

22. A device of the kind described, said device comprising a housing, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means highly resistant to heat fixedly secured in a lower part of said housing, means providing a chamber adjacent said lower part, each of said frangible means having an inlet communicating with said chamber for freely receiving from said chamber a liquid having a high temperature, and] said housing having an upper part whereby a handle may [be attached thereto to facilitate dipping of the device into a liquid.

23. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of receiving means, means for connecting said receiving means to said housing, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances, and means common to and protecting said entrances for a temporary period when the device is dipped into molten metal and so that at least a portion of this means will be destroyed in order to facilitate the flow of some of the metal into said receiving means via said entrances whereby to produce solidified samples after the device is removed from the bath.

24. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a support, a pair of receiving means, means for connecting said receiving means to said support, structure providing a chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances which are common to and communicate with said chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

25. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means supporting said receiving means in relation to said chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances, and means common to and temporarily protecting said entrances whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal at least a portion of said common means will be destroyed whereby to facilitate the flow of some of the metal through said entrances into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.

26. A device of the kind described comprising: a support, a pair of receiving means connected to said support for receiving samples of molten metal, said receiving means being respectively provided with inlets, and means common to said inlets for temporarily protecting them when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal.

27. The device defined in claim 26, in which said common means comprises a cap substantially covering said inlets.

28. The device defined in claim 26, in which said common means comprises a plurality of members which are common to said inlets for temporarily protecting them when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal.

29. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in said chamber, inlet means common to and communicating with said receiving means, means common to said inlet means for temporarily protecting the same when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal and so that when at least some of the common means is destroyed some of the metal may simultaneously flow into said receiving means via said inlet means.

30. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair or receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in said chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will simultaneously flow into said receiving means via said entrances so that the metal received may solidify after the device is withdrawn from the bath, and means common to said entrances for modifying the composition of some of the molten metal prior to its entry into said receiving means.

31. A valveless device of the kind described comprising: a housing provided with an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and a pair of inlet passages continuously communicatively connecting said chambers whereby when the device is dipped into a hot liquid some of the latter will first flow into said lower chamber and then into said upper chamber for solidification via said passages.

32. A device of the kind described comprising: a housing having a lower imperforate tubular end, receiving means disposed in said housing for receiving and solidifying a sample of molten metal, and a plurality of longitudinally extending passages leading to said receiving means whereby when the device is immersed in a bath of molten metal quantities of the metal will flow longitudinally and simultaneously into said passages and then said receiving means via said end.

33. A subassembly comprising a cup having a bottom wall provided with a pair of openings, a mass of cement disposed in said cup, said mass being provided with a pair of passages respectively communicating with said openings, and means disposed in relation to said cup which is common to said passages for temporarily protecting the latter.

34. A method which comprises dipping a device having a receiving means provided with a chamber and a pair of passages communicating therewith into a hot liquid whereby some of the latter will freely flow simultaneously through the passages into the chamber to obtain a sample thereof, removing the device and sample from the liquid, and then allowing the liquid to cool and solidify in said receiving means and said passages to provide a sample having a mass formed by said receiving means and a pair of closely associated portions formed by said passages which are joined to said mass at a localized area thereof and extend in the same direction therefrom.

35. A method which comprises dipping a frangible receiving means having a chamber with a pair of passages communicating with a bottom thereof into a bath of molten metal whereby some of the latter will flow through the passages into said chamber to obtain a sample thereof, removing the receiving means and sample from the bath for cooling, and then breaking the receiving means to obtain the sample.

36. A device of the kind described comprising: a housing provided with receiving means, a cup connected to said housing and having a bottom wall provided with openings, a pair of tubular means communicatively connected to said receiving means, a mass of cement embedding said tubular means therein and in registry with said openings so that when the device is dipped into a hot liquid some of the latter will flow into said receiving means via said tubular means.

37. The device defined in claim 36, in which said receiving means comprises a wall structure defining a chamber, and said wall structure is protected by a sheath of insulating material.

38. The device defined in claim 36, in which said housing is provided with a space above said receiving means, and filter means is disposed in said space.

39. The device defined in claim 36, in which said cup, said tubular means and cement constitute a unit which is pressible into said housing to locate said tubular means in communication with said receiving means.

40. A device of the kind described. comprising: imperforate wall structure forming a support having a lower tubular end, receiving means carried by said suppo and provided with a pair of inlets through which a hot liquid may enter via said end when the device is dipped into such a liquid, and means common to and supported in relation to said inlets for conditioning at least some of the liquid prior to its entry into said inlets and solidification in said receiving means.

41. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal, said device comprising a support, a pair of insulated receiving means carried by said support, an entrance means common to and communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter after entering said entrance means will initially flow simultaneously into the said receiving means for solidification.

42. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in a side-by-side relation in said chamber, and entrance means common to and communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter after entering said entrance means will initially flow simultaneously into said receiving means so that the metal received may solidify after the device is withdrawn from the bath.

43. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: an elongated housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in a side-by-side relation in said chamber, entrance means communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter after entering said entrance means will initially simultaneously flow axially into said receiving means so that the metal received may solidify after the device is withdrawn from the bath, and filter means common to and supported in relation to said receiving means.

44. An elongated device of the kind described comprising: a support having a lower tubular end, receiving means disposed in said support and provided with a pair of inlets through which a hot liquid may enter when the device is dipped into such a liquid, and means supported in relation to said inlets provided with entrance means common to said inlets for initially receiving some of the liquid through said end prior to its flow into said inlets.

45. The device defined in claim 44, in which said inlets are tubular and the liquid received in said receiving means forms mass means, and the liquid in said pair of tubular inlet means may solidify to form a pair of closely associated spindle-like portions which are joined to said mass means at a localized area thereof and extend in the same direction therefrom.

46. The device defined in claim 41, in which the metal solidified in said receiving means forms opposed mass means and some of the metal may solidify in said entrance means to form a pair of spindle-like portions joining mass means.

47. A valveless device of the kind described comprising: a housing with an upper insulated chamber and a lower chamber, a mass of insulating material interposed between said chambers, and a pair of tubular inlet members embedded in said mass and continuously communicatively connecting said chambers whereby when the device is dipped into a hot liquid some of the latter will first flow into said lower chamber and then into said upper chamber via said members for solidification. 

1. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber and provided with means forming a lower chamber, a pair of receiving means having upper and lower portions, means for securing said lower portions to said housing so that said upper portions extend into said housing chamber in a juxtaposed relationship, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances communicating with said lower chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal samples thereof will flow through said entrances from said lower chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the samples will solidify.
 2. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are substantially identical and of a frangible character.
 3. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are of different sizes.
 4. The device defined in claim 1, in which said securing means is of an insulating character and common to both of said receiving means.
 5. The device defined in claim 1, in which one of said receiving means is of a spindle-like character and the other includes a head forming a chamber with a passage leading thereto.
 6. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are of a spindle-like character and have different cross-dimensions.
 7. The device defined in claim 1, in which said receiving means are of a spindle-like character and have different lengths.
 8. The device defined in claim 1, in which said lower chamber is formed by a protective enclosure which normally conceals said entrances, and means are provided for conditioning the molten metal prior to its flow into said receiving means.
 9. The device defined in claim 1, in which said housing is of a non-metallic material and protected by a shield of heat-resistant material.
 10. The device defined in claim 1, in which one of said receiving means is provided with filter means and the other with a valve for controlling the venting of air therefrom.
 11. The device defined in claim 1, in which said housing is protected by a coating of insulating material.
 12. A method of obtaining samples of molten metal which comprises: immersing a device having a housing with a pair of receiving means connected thereto and openings respectively leading to said receiving means from an entrance chamber common to said openings, into a bath of molten metal whereby samples of the latter will flow from said chamber through said openings into said receiving means, removing the device from the bath and allowing the samples to solidify, disconnecting the receiving means and samples from the housing, and then removing the receiving means from the samples.
 13. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of receiving means having upper and lower portions, means for supporting said receiving means in said housing whereby to provide a space substantially surrounding said upper portions, means providing a chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances which are common to and communicate with said chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 14. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, receiving means, means for supporting said receiving means in said housing, means providing a chamber, a pair of entrances comMunicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 15. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of unevacuated receiving means respectively provided with tubular means, means for supporting said receiving means and said tubular means in fixed relation to one another to said housing, means common to and temporarily protecting said tubular means, the arrangement being such that when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal at least some of the common means will be destroyed so that some of the metal will simultaneously flow through said tubular means into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 16. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: an elongated tubular housing, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means having upper portions and lower portions, a pair of tubular means respectively communicating with said lower portions, means common to and securing said tubular means in said housing, said tubular means assisting to support said receiving means so that a space substantially surrounds said upper portions, structure defining chamber means which is common to said tubular means, the arrangement being such that when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow from said chamber means through said tubular means into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 17. A device of the kind described, said device comprising a housing, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means highly resistant to heat fixedly secured in a lower part of said housing, means providing a chamber adjacent said lower part, each of said frangible means having an inlet communicating with said chamber for freely receiving from said chamber a liquid having a high temperature, and said housing having an upper part whereby a handle may be attached thereto to facilitate dipping of the device into a liquid.
 18. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in said chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow through said entrances into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples, and means common to said entrances for temporarily protecting them when the device is dipped into the bath.
 19. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of receiving means, means for supporting said receiving means in said housing, means providing a chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances which are smaller than an interior dimension of said receiving means and communicate with said chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 20. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair or receiving means respectively provided with tubular means, means supporting said receiving means and said tubular means in relation to one another and said housing, a chamber common to said tubular means, the arrangement being such that when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow from said chamber through said tubular means into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal recEived will solidify to produce samples.
 21. A device of the kind described, said device comprising a housing having a chamber in a lower part thereof, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means highly resistant to heat fixedly secured in said chamber, each of said frangible means having an inlet adjacent said lower part for freely receiving a liquid having a high temperature, and means common to said inlets for temporarily protecting the same when the device is dipped into a liquid.
 22. A device of the kind described, said device comprising a housing, a pair of frangible unevacuated receiving means highly resistant to heat fixedly secured in a lower part of said housing, means providing a chamber adjacent said lower part, each of said frangible means having an inlet communicating with said chamber for freely receiving from said chamber a liquid having a high temperature, and said housing having an upper part whereby a handle may be attached thereto to facilitate dipping of the device into a liquid.
 23. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing, a pair of receiving means, means for connecting said receiving means to said housing, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances, and means common to and protecting said entrances for a temporary period when the device is dipped into molten metal and so that at least a portion of this means will be destroyed in order to facilitate the flow of some of the metal into said receiving means via said entrances whereby to produce solidified samples after the device is removed from the bath.
 24. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a support, a pair of receiving means, means for connecting said receiving means to said support, structure providing a chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances which are common to and communicate with said chamber whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will flow into said entrances via said chamber into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 25. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means supporting said receiving means in relation to said chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances, and means common to and temporarily protecting said entrances whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal at least a portion of said common means will be destroyed whereby to facilitate the flow of some of the metal through said entrances into said receiving means and when the device is removed from the bath the metal received will solidify to produce samples.
 26. A device of the kind described comprising: a support, a pair of receiving means connected to said support for receiving samples of molten metal, said receiving means being respectively provided with inlets, and means common to said inlets for temporarily protecting them when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal.
 27. The device defined in claim 26, in which said common means comprises a cap substantially covering said inlets.
 28. The device defined in claim 26, in which said common means comprises a plurality of members which are common to said inlets for temporarily protecting them when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal.
 29. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in said chamber, inlet means common to and communicating with said receiving means, means common to said inlet means for temporarily protecting the same when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal and so that when at least some of the common means is destroyed some of the metal may simultaneously flow into said receiving means via said inlet means.
 30. A device for obtaining sampleS of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair or receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in said chamber, said receiving means being respectively provided with entrances whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter will simultaneously flow into said receiving means via said entrances so that the metal received may solidify after the device is withdrawn from the bath, and means common to said entrances for modifying the composition of some of the molten metal prior to its entry into said receiving means.
 31. A valveless device of the kind described comprising: a housing provided with an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and a pair of inlet passages continuously communicatively connecting said chambers whereby when the device is dipped into a hot liquid some of the latter will first flow into said lower chamber and then into said upper chamber for solidification via said passages.
 32. A device of the kind described comprising: a housing having a lower imperforate tubular end, receiving means disposed in said housing for receiving and solidifying a sample of molten metal, and a plurality of longitudinally extending passages leading to said receiving means whereby when the device is immersed in a bath of molten metal quantities of the metal will flow longitudinally and simultaneously into said passages and then said receiving means via said end.
 33. A subassembly comprising a cup having a bottom wall provided with a pair of openings, a mass of cement disposed in said cup, said mass being provided with a pair of passages respectively communicating with said openings, and means disposed in relation to said cup which is common to said passages for temporarily protecting the latter.
 34. A method which comprises dipping a device having a receiving means provided with a chamber and a pair of passages communicating therewith into a hot liquid whereby some of the latter will freely flow simultaneously through the passages into the chamber to obtain a sample thereof, removing the device and sample from the liquid, and then allowing the liquid to cool and solidify in said receiving means and said passages to provide a sample having a mass formed by said receiving means and a pair of closely associated portions formed by said passages which are joined to said mass at a localized area thereof and extend in the same direction therefrom.
 35. A method which comprises dipping a frangible receiving means having a chamber with a pair of passages communicating with a bottom thereof into a bath of molten metal whereby some of the latter will flow through the passages into said chamber to obtain a sample thereof, removing the receiving means and sample from the bath for cooling, and then breaking the receiving means to obtain the sample.
 36. A device of the kind described comprising: a housing provided with receiving means, a cup connected to said housing and having a bottom wall provided with openings, a pair of tubular means communicatively connected to said receiving means, a mass of cement embedding said tubular means therein and in registry with said openings so that when the device is dipped into a hot liquid some of the latter will flow into said receiving means via said tubular means.
 37. The device defined in claim 36, in which said receiving means comprises a wall structure defining a chamber, and said wall structure is protected by a sheath of insulating material.
 38. The device defined in claim 36, in which said housing is provided with a space above said receiving means, and filter means is disposed in said space.
 39. The device defined in claim 36, in which said cup, said tubular means and cement constitute a unit which is pressible into said housing to locate said tubular means in communication with said receiving means.
 40. A device of the kind described comprising: imperforate wall structure forming a support having a lower tubular end, receiving means carried by said sUpport and provided with a pair of inlets through which a hot liquid may enter via said end when the device is dipped into such a liquid, and means common to and supported in relation to said inlets for conditioning at least some of the liquid prior to its entry into said inlets and solidification in said receiving means.
 41. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal, said device comprising a support, a pair of insulated receiving means carried by said support, an entrance means common to and communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter after entering said entrance means will initially flow simultaneously into the said receiving means for solidification.
 42. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: a housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in a side-by-side relation in said chamber, and entrance means common to and communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter after entering said entrance means will initially flow simultaneously into said receiving means so that the metal received may solidify after the device is withdrawn from the bath.
 43. A device for obtaining samples of molten metal comprising: an elongated housing having a chamber, a pair of receiving means, means common to and supporting said receiving means in a side-by-side relation in said chamber, entrance means communicating with said receiving means whereby when the device is dipped into a bath of molten metal some of the latter after entering said entrance means will initially simultaneously flow axially into said receiving means so that the metal received may solidify after the device is withdrawn from the bath, and filter means common to and supported in relation to said receiving means.
 44. An elongated device of the kind described comprising: a support having a lower tubular end, receiving means disposed in said support and provided with a pair of inlets through which a hot liquid may enter when the device is dipped into such a liquid, and means supported in relation to said inlets provided with entrance means common to said inlets for initially receiving some of the liquid through said end prior to its flow into said inlets.
 45. The device defined in claim 44, in which said inlets are tubular and the liquid received in said receiving means forms mass means, and the liquid in said pair of tubular inlet means may solidify to form a pair of closely associated spindle-like portions which are joined to said mass means at a localized area thereof and extend in the same direction therefrom.
 46. The device defined in claim 41, in which the metal solidified in said receiving means forms opposed mass means and some of the metal may solidify in said entrance means to form a pair of spindle-like portions joining mass means.
 47. A valveless device of the kind described comprising: a housing with an upper insulated chamber and a lower chamber, a mass of insulating material interposed between said chambers, and a pair of tubular inlet members embedded in said mass and continuously communicatively connecting said chambers whereby when the device is dipped into a hot liquid some of the latter will first flow into said lower chamber and then into said upper chamber via said members for solidification. 